Rights of Man, Common Sense, and Other Political Writings

As the publication of this work has been delayed beyond the
time intended, I think it not improper, all circumstances
considered, to state the causes that have occasioned the
delay.

The reader will probably observe, that some parts in the
plan contained in this work for reducing the taxes, and
certain parts in Mr Pitt's speech at the opening of the
present session, Tuesday, January 31,* are so much alike, as
to induce a belief, that either the Author had taken the hint
from Mr Pitt, or Mr Pitt from the Author.--I will first
point out the parts that are similar, and then state such
circumstances as I am acquainted with, leaving the reader to
make his own conclusion.

Considering it almost an unprecedented case, that taxes
should be proposed to be taken off, it is equally as extraordinary that such a measure should occur to two persons at
the same time; and still more so, (considering the vast
variety and multiplicity of taxes) that they should hit on the
same specific taxes. Mr Pitt has mentioned, in his speech,
the tax on Carts and Waggons--that on Female Servants--
the lowering the tax on Candles, and the taking off the tax of
three shillings on Houses having under seven windows.

Every one of those specific taxes are a part of the plan
contained in this work, and proposed also to be taken off.
Mr Pitt's plan, it is true, goes no farther than to a reduction
of three hundred and twenty thousand pounds; and the
reduction proposed in this work to nearly six millions. I
have made my calculations on only sixteen millions and an
half of revenue, still asserting that it was 'very nearly, if not
quite, seventeen millions.' Mr Pitt states it at 16,690,000. I
know enough of the matter to say, that he has not overstated
it. Having thus given the particulars, which correspond in
this work and his speech, I will state a chain of circumstances
that may lead to some explanation.

Print this page

While we understand printed pages are helpful to our users, this limitation is necessary
to help protect our publishers' copyrighted material and prevent its unlawful distribution.
We are sorry for any inconvenience.